Microsoft link with Nokia 'helps other phone firms'

Microsoft's controversial smartphone link-up with Nokia will boost other mobile makers rather than threaten them, the software giant's divisional president has claimed.

Andy Lees said the vote of confidence in Microsoft by the Finnish group would encourage other software developers to create applications for the group's Windows Phone.

Lees, speaking on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress fair, said: "Having them (Nokia] really betting on Windows Phone as the future of their smartphone business is a big statement in terms of the potential for volume and the total ecosystem.

"If you're a developer, would you develop to Windows Phone? Before you might have said: 'I'm not sure, because what's the ultimate volume going to be?'

"Well, now the largest phone maker and also a whole set of other OEMS (original equipment makers] are already betting on the platform."

Nokia's shares fell further yesterday, slipping about 5 per cent to €6.61. They are off 20 per cent since the deal leaked last week.

Analysts have slammed the deal as badly planned and failing to answer questions on developing smartphones.